Medical Bulletin 24/ March/ 2025 - Video

Recent studies suggest that cannabis use may significantly raise the risk of heart attacks, even among young and healthy individuals. Two new studies add to mounting evidence that marijuana can negatively impact cardiovascular health.

A retrospective study published in JACC Advances analyzed over 4.6 million people and found that cannabis users under 50 were more than six times as likely to experience a heart attack compared to non-users. In addition to heart attacks, cannabis use also increased the risk of ischemic stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular death.

A meta-analysis presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session reviewed data from 12 studies, involving over 75 million people, and found a 50% higher risk of heart attack among cannabis users. The research highlighted that the risk is particularly acute in the hours following consumption, with heart attack risk peaking within an hour.

The findings suggest cannabis impacts heart rhythm, increases oxygen demand on the heart, and may cause endothelial dysfunction, which restricts blood flow. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, these risks are particularly concerning as marijuana use continues to rise, especially in areas where it is legal.

Experts urge clinicians to ask about cannabis use as part of routine cardiovascular risk assessments and caution the public about its potential dangers. More prospective studies are needed to further clarify which groups are most at risk and to confirm these findings.

Reference: American College of Cardiology, JACC Advances, American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session, 2025.

A recent review in Nutrients suggests a potential connection between gut health and anxiety disorders, highlighting how altered gut microbiota may contribute to anxiety symptoms. Researchers, led by Kamil N., found that individuals with anxiety often have reduced microbial diversity and lower levels of beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are essential for both gut and brain health.

The gut-brain axis, a complex communication network between the gastrointestinal system and the brain, plays a crucial role in mental well-being. Microbial imbalances in the gut can interfere with this communication, potentially leading to psychiatric conditions like anxiety. The review examined studies on PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to explore the relationship between gut microbiota and anxiety, as well as the potential benefits of probiotics.

Findings from the review include decreased microbial diversity in people with anxiety disorders, indicating an imbalance in gut flora, and lower levels of SCFA-producing bacteria, which are important for regulating inflammation and neurotransmitter production—both crucial for mental health.

Anxiety patients tend to have fewer of these bacteria. The review also found that probiotics, particularly those from the Lactobacillus genus, show promise in alleviating anxiety by restoring gut microbiota balance, impacting neurotransmitter levels, and reducing inflammation.

As the review notes, “The gut microbiota influences neurotransmitter synthesis and inflammatory pathways, both of which play key roles in anxiety regulation.” In conclusion, gut dysbiosis—an imbalance in gut bacteria—appears to be closely linked with anxiety disorders. Probiotic interventions, especially involving Lactobacillus, offer a promising avenue for alleviating symptoms and improving mental health. However, further research is needed to refine these therapies and fully understand their effects.

Reference: Nikel, K., Stojko, M., Smolarczyk, J., & Piegza, M. (2025). The Impact of Gut Microbiota on the Development of Anxiety Symptoms—A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 17(6), 933.https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17060933

A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease underscores the benefits of the HE Breathing ventilation mode in complex airway surgeries like tracheal and carinal resection and reconstruction. These procedures, considered the pinnacle of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), present challenges in maintaining oxygenation and preventing hypercapnia, while ensuring optimal surgical conditions. Prof. He’s team emphasizes the importance of collaboration between surgeons and anesthesiologists, with the choice of ventilation mode—intubated or non-intubated (tubeless)—being crucial for successful outcomes.

In a comparative study, Prof. He’s team performed thoracoscopic carinal and tracheal resections in 18 patients using the HE Breathing ventilation mode. The results showed shorter anastomosis times (22.5–40 vs. 45–86 minutes), reduced operative duration (162.5 vs. 260 minutes), and potentially shorter postoperative hospital stays (11.5±4.3 vs. 13.2±6.3 days) compared to conventional intubated ventilation.

Key advantages of the HE Breathing technique include spontaneous breathing, which reduces lung injury and infection risks while enhancing oxygenation. Although hypercapnia may occur, it improves hemodynamics and ventilation-perfusion matching. Using a laryngeal mask instead of an endotracheal tube avoids intubation-related injuries and reduces complications like throat pain and airway rupture. The absence of a tube during surgery improves visualization and precision during resection and anastomosis. Additionally, combining local anesthesia with mild intravenous sedation reduces postoperative adverse effects associated with deep anesthesia and muscle relaxants.

“We believe that with collaboration between surgeons and anesthesiologists, HE Breathing ventilation mode represents a significant advancement in airway surgery,” said Prof. He. This technique, now extended to robotic-assisted VATS, offers promising outcomes for more patients, though further research is needed to explore its full potential.

References: Zhao, Y., Liu, H., Chen, J., Xu, X., Yang, C., Peng, G., Liang, H., Jiang, L., Li, S., & He, J. (2024). HE Breathing: A new ventilation mode in airway surgery. Journal of Thoracic Disease, 16(12). https://doi.org/10.21037/jtd-24-1308